Tests to see if you have a problem in another part of your body that's causing the itching

How do doctors treat itching?

Doctors treat the problem that causes you to itch. Doctors may also tell you to:

Avoid anything that may be causing the itching or making it worse

Bathe less often and use cool water instead of hot

Use moisturizing lotions or creams

Humidify the air in your home or work

Not wear tight or wool clothes

Take antihistamine pills (medicines that help relieve itching)

Antihistamine pills can make you sleepy, particularly if you're older. Be careful about using them if you have to drive or use power tools. On the other hand, antihistamines may help you sleep at night.

You can buy some creams for itching without a prescription. But talk to your doctor before you use them. Corticosteroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, can help some kinds of itching but are bad for others (for example, itching caused by a skin infection). Antihistamine creams and skin-numbing creams that contain benzocaine sometimes cause a skin reaction, so doctors usually don't want you to use those.

Merck and the Merck Manuals

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual outside of North America. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.